DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #178
     



From: "James M. Rethwish" <reth@pillar.nosc.mil>

Subject: Re: Brakes-rebuild

Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 09:05:18 PST



Rebuilding the original master is a tough one.  There was much

trouble with the cylinders rusting and pitting back in the old days

that Ford issued a bulletin advising that cylinders be replaced

only.  There may still be a seal kit for that 23mm unit, but

nobody seems to know where to find one.  The largest kits I've found

by digging through parts bins are for 22mm.  Having said that, my

master started bypassing pressure a year ago.  I tore it down, and

couldn't find any thing wrong with it.  I cleaned the bore (no

pitting) and turned each of the seals around so a fresh edge faced

forward, and reassembled.  It's been working just fine since.

Worth a try!

Jim



> From:          Brian P Lerose <bpler@conncoll.edu>



> A lot of you have told me its my master cylinder causing my braking

> problems.  I was under the impresion, from the Hall catalogue, that

> the original master cylinder was not rebuildable.  Since I am trying

> to keep this car very original, this sounds like the way to go.  Where

> can I get a rebuild kit?  Someone mentioned there is a fiat kit that

> will work, anybody know the part number?

>

> As far as replacing the mastercylinder...

> If I repaced it with a GM type that I see many people have, would this

> give me better than stock braking power?  If I replace the master

> cylinder, should I replace the power booster too?  Is there a master

> cylinder that will fit the stock plumbing?

>

> What kind of fluid should I be using?

>

> Thanks for all of your help,

> Brian

>